ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
Shri Nitin Gadkari to lay the foundation for India’s largest Dry Dock at Cochin Shipyard tomorrow
With this Cochin Shipyard will be able to build specialized and technologically advanced large vessels
He will also lay the foundation stone for three national highways projects in Kerala, costing Rs 1557 Crore
The Union Minister for Shipping, Road Transport & Highways, Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation Shri Nitin Gadkari and Kerala Chief Minister Shri Pinarayi Vijayan will lay the foundation for India’s largest Dry Dock at Cochin Shipyard in Kerala tomorrow. The Dry Dock will give an impetus to “Make in India” initiative under Sagarmala and raise India’s share in global shipbuilding to 2 percent. India currently occupies 0.66 % share in global shipbuilding market.
The commercial ship building industry in India is worth Rs. 3,200 Croreand focuses primarily on small-medium sized offshore vessels and cargo/bulk carriers. At present, Cochin Shipyard has two dry docks, one predominantly used for ship building of size 255m x 43 x 9m and capacity 1,10,000 DWT and the other one for ship repair of size 270 x 45 x 12m and capacity 1,25,000 DWT.
The new Dry Dock is being constructed at a cost of Rs 1799 Crore. It will be 310 m long, 75m wide, with a depth of 13 m and drought of 9.5m. The dock will be designed to handle both ship building and repairs, and bear a load up to 600 T/m. It will be equipped with international safety standards. The dock will also have a water treatment plant and Green Belt Development. Equipped with this Dry Dock, Cochin Shipyard will be able to build specialized and technologically advanced large vessels like LNG Carriers, drill ships, jack up rigs, large dredgers, aircraft carriers for Indian Navy and high end research vessels.It will also help make Cochin a one stop maritime hub for all repair needs in South East Asia.
The project is expected to be completed by May 2021 and generate employment opportunities for about 2000 people.
Two 500 capacity passenger vessels built by CSL for Andaman and Nicobar Islands administration will also be launched on the occasion. These vessels will help enhance intra island connectivity.
Shri Gadkari will also lay the foundation stone for three National Highways projects in Kerala, costing Rs 1557 Crore at an event in Eranholi in Thalassery in Kannur district. These would include the construction of the 18.6 km, 4 lane Thalassery – Mahe bypass  at a cost of Rs 1181 Crore ; construction of 0.78 km, 4-lane Railway Over Bridge near Neeleshwaram town  at a cost of Rs 82 Crore and widening of 46.72 km from Nattukal to ThanavuJn  to two lane with paved shoulder at a cost of Rs 294 Crore .
President's Secretariat
President of India Graces Swachh Amrit Mahotsav and Presents Swachh Survekshan Awards 2021
The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, addressed the Swachh Amrit Mahotsav and presented the Swachh Survekshan Awards 2021, being organised by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, at a function held in New Delhi today .
Speaking on the occasion, the President said that this year's Swachh Survekshan Awards have special significance because we are celebrating 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav'. Mahatma Gandhi used to say that “cleanliness is next to godliness”. According to him cleanliness should be the top priority. The President said that this priority of Gandhiji has been carried forward by the Government of India as a mass movement through Swachh Bharat Mission. He stated that our efforts to make the country completely neat and clean are a true tribute to our freedom fighters.
The President noted that Safai Mitras and sanitation workers have continuously rendered their services even during the COVID pandemic. He said that the government is committed to ensure that life of no sanitation worker is put at risk due to unsafe cleaning practices. He appreciated the ‘Safai Mitra Suraksha Challenge' initiative of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs which has been started in 246 cities with the aim to promote mechanical cleaning of sewers and septic tanks. He advised the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs to extend this mechanical cleaning facility in all the cities. He said that manual scavenging is a shameful practice. Eradication of this practice is not only the responsibility of the government but also of the society and citizens.
The President said that effective management of solid waste is essential to keep the cities clean. On October 1, 2021, Prime Minister has launched 'Swachh Bharat Mission - Urban 2.0' with the goal of making all cities 'waste-free' by 2026. It is obvious that a garbage-free city requires that houses, streets and localities remain garbage-free. He emphasised that the responsibility of the success of this campaign lies with the government as well as all the citizens. We have to ensure that everyone segregates wet and dry waste at home.
The President said that environment conservation has been an integral part of the traditional lifestyle of India. Today whole world is emphasising on environment protection in which focus is on to reduce, reuse and recycle the resources. He noted that good examples are coming out of the idea of 'Waste to Wealth' and many start-ups are active in these areas. He said that appropriate schemes could be developed to encourage entrepreneurship and investment in these areas.
Click here to see President Speech
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
CBFC statement on the issue of 'Bahattar Hoorain' Trailer
Central Board for Film Certification has today issued a statement on the issue of trailer of the film Bahattar Hoorain. Terming the media reports it has said that "Misleading reports are being circulated in certain sections of media that a film and its trailer titled “Bahattar Hoorain ” has been Refused certification by Central Board of Film Certification ."
It has further clarified that "contrary to the reports, the film “Bahattar Hoorain ” was granted ‘A’ certification and the certificate was issued on 4-10-2019. Now, the trailer of said film is under due process which was applied to CBFC on 19-6-2023 and examined in accordance with the Guidelines issued under Section 5B of the Cinematograph Act, 1952. "
CBFC has also said that "The applicant was asked for requisite documentary submissions under intimation and upon receipt of the same, certification was granted subject to modifications. A show cause notice communicating the modifications was issued to the applicant/filmmaker on 27-6-2023 and the same is pending for the applicant’s response/compliance."
The board has urged that any misleading reports may not be entertained or circulated hereinafter when the matter is under due process.
AYUSH
All India Institute of Ayurveda signes MoU with Amity University for Ayurveda Research
Continuing with the policy of Ministry of AYUSH of forging partnerships for promoting and developing the AYUSH Systems of Healthcare, the All India Institute of Ayurveda , New Delhi under the Ministry has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Amity University on 7th October 2020. The MoU focuses on promoting research in Ayurvedic Sciences.
The MoU by AIIA is with the Amity Institute of Indian System of Medicine, which was established in 2018 by the Amity University in recognition of the growing importance of the Indian System of Medicine. The MoU envisages collaboration Quality and standardization of Ayurvedic drugs as well as in Ph.D. programmes in natural product chemistry and pharmacy. Studies in Pharmaceutics, Pharmacodynamics and Pharmacokinetics have also been identified as potential areas of collaboration. The MoU will also lead to joint projects and publications.
This partnership is expected to result in some cutting edge research in Ayurveda as well as in the promotion and spread of knowledge associated with Ayurvedic Sciences across the globe. It will integrate traditional knowledge with modern sciences and add new dimensions to research in Ayurveda.
The Ministry of AYUSH plays a big role in introducing and promoting Indian System of Medicine globally in the current pandemic scenario. Ayurveda has made a mark by providing prophylactic solutions, viability of many of which has been established through scientific studies. The Ministry has accepted the need for forging partnerships with likeminded and stake-holding institutions for increasing the depth and scope of AYUSH Health Solutions that are available to the public. The Ministry has also consciously encouraged Public-Private Partnerships  as a strategy to augment the inflow of resources into the Ayush Sector. The current MoU is an outcome of this approach.
The two Institutions will work together for evolving knowledge and procedures which will be of use to the National Healthcare System and ultimately to Health solutions that will be of relevance at a population scale.
MV/SK
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Ministry of Labour & Employment
Welfare Schemes for Labourers
The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Shri Rameswar Teli in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today informed the details of the welfare schemes for the workers/labourers formulated by the Government.
The Life and Disability cover is provided through Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana  and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana . PMJJBY is available to the people in the age group of 18 to 50 years having a bank/post office account who give their consent to join/enable auto debit. Risk coverage under this scheme is for Rs. 2.00 lakh in case of death of insured, due to any reason, at an annual premium of Rs. 436/- which is to be auto debited from the subscriber’s bank/post office account.
The Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana  is also available to the people in the age group of 18 to 70 years with a bank/post office account who give their consent to join/enable auto debit. The risk coverage under the scheme is for Rs 2.00 lakh in case of accidental death or total permanent disability and Rs. 1.00 lakh for partial permanent disability; due to accident at a premium of Rs. 20 per annum which is to be deducted from the account holder’s bank/postoffice account through ‘auto-debit’.
The Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana  provides an annual health cover of Rs. 5 lakhs per eligible family for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization corresponding to 1949 treatment procedures across 27 specialties.
In order to provide old age protection, the Government of India launched Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-Dhan  pension scheme in 2019. It provides monthly pension of Rs.3000/- after attaining the age of 60 years. The workers in the age group of 18-40 years whose monthly income is Rs. 15000/- or less and not a member of EPFO/ESIC/NPS  can join the PM-SYM Scheme. Under this scheme 50% monthly contribution is payable by the beneficiary and equal matching contribution is paid by the Central Government. Under the scheme, the funds towards Government’s contribution is provided to LIC being the fund manager.
Apart from above, other schemes such as Public Distribution System through One Nation One Ration Card scheme under National Food Security Act, Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, Deen Dayal Upadhyay Gramin Kaushal Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Gareeb Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyan, Mahatma Gandhi Bunkar Bima Yojana, Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana, PMSVANidhi, Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana etc. are also available for the unorganised workers including labourers depending upon their eligibility criteria.
In the written reply it was stated that e-SHRAM portal was launched in August, 2021 with an objective to create National Database of Unorganised Workers  of the age group of 16-59 years to facilitate delivery of Social Security Schemes/Welfare Schemes of the Central and State Governments to the unorganized workers.
Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas
Export of petroleum products
The Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Shri Rameswar Teli in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha today informed that the Oil Companies after meeting the domestic demand, export surplus production of petroleum products. The details of export of petroleum products by Oil Public Sector refineries and Private Sector refineries  during the last two years are as under:-
|
|
Export of Petroleum Products
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|
Financial Year
|
|
Quantity
|
|
Value
|
|
TMT
|
|
US$ Million
|
|
₹ Crore
|
|
2019-20
|
|
65685
|
|
35848
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|
254018
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|
2020-21
|
|
56769
|
|
21406
|
|
157168
|
|
Source: Petroleum Planning & Analysis Cell, TMT: Thousand Metric Tonnes
Oil Companies export major petroleum products viz. High Speed Diesel, Motor Spirit, Aviation Turbine Fuel, Naphtha, etc to various countries like United Arab Emirates, Singapore, China, United States of America, Turkey, Nepal, Malaysia, Netherlands etc.
Prices of petrol and diesel are market-determined with effect from 26.06.2010 and 19.10.2014 respectively. Since then, the Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies  have been taking appropriate decision on pricing of petrol and diesel on the basis of international product prices and other market conditions. The OMCs have increased and decreased the prices of petrol and diesel according to changes in international prices and rupee dollar exchange rate. Effective 16th June, 2017, daily pricing of petrol and diesel has been implemented in the entire country. The prices of petrol in the States across the country varies due to freight rates, VAT/local levies etc.
Prices of LPG in the country are based on Saudi Contract Price , the benchmark for international prices of LPG. Saudi CP has risen approximately 258% from April, 2020 to November, 2021 . However, for domestic LPG the Government continues to modulate the effective price to consumer to insulate the common man from rise in international prices.
Prime Minister's Office
PM expresses happiness over India’s vaccination drive crosses another important milestone
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has expressed happiness over India’s vaccination drive crossing another important milestone. Over 50% of the eligible population are now fully vaccinated in India.
In response to a tweet by the Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, the Prime Minister said;
"India’s vaccination drive crosses another important milestone. Important to keep this momentum to strengthen the fight against COVID-19.
And yes, keep following all other COVID-19 related protocols including masking up and social distancing."
Ministry of Law and Justice
Fast Track Special Courts  achieving new heights
Under Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Department of Justice,Ministry of Law & Justice, Fast Track Special Courts  disposed of 1.74 lakhs cases of Rape & POCSO Act as on 30.06.2023, providing speedy justice to the victims.
Championing the cause of safety and security of women and girl child, the Government provided for stringent punishment including death penalty for perpetrators of rape by passing the Criminal Law  Act, 2018. Incidents of sexual offences and prolonged trials of accused necessitated dedicated court machinery to provide immediate relief to the victims. Since October 2019, the Department of Justice is implementing a Centrally Sponsored Scheme, to set up 1023 Fast Track Special Courts  including 389 exclusive POCSO Courts across the nation for expeditious trial relating to sexual offences. Each court comprises of 1 Judicial Officer and 7 Staff Members. Out of 31 States and UTs eligible, 28 have joined this scheme. Puducherry made a special request to join the Scheme and the one exclusive POCSO Court was operationalized in May, 2023.
The Scheme was initially for a period of one year spread over two Financial Years 2019-20 and 2020-21 at a total outlay of Rs. 767.25 Cr. with Rs. 474 Cr. as Central Share to be met from Nirbhaya Fund. The Cabinet further approved the continuation of the Scheme of FTSCs for two years i.e. up to March, 2023 with a total budgetary outlay of Rs. 1572.86 Cr. with Rs.971.70 Cr. as central share. Further extension of the Scheme is under process.
In FY 2019-20, Rs. 140 Cr, in FY 2020-21 Rs.160.00 Cr, in FY 2021-22, Rs.134.56 Cr, and in the FY 2022-23, Rs. 200.00 Cr was released to States as Central Share.
As on June 2023, 763 FTSCs including 412 exclusive POCSO Courts are functional in 29 States / UTs which have disposed of more than 1,74,000 pending cases. During the F.Y 2023-24, a total of Rs. 200.00 Cr. has been allocated, out of which Rs. 100.37 Cr. has been released till 31st July 2023 as a Central share of funds for the functioning of such FTSCs in the States/UTs.
For the robust implementation of the Scheme, this Department has created an online monitoring framework for monthly monitoring of case statistics. Regular review meetings with the Registrar Generals of High Courts and State functionaries are being undertaken.
Ministry of Education
Union Minister for Education, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan to address 61st Foundation day of National Council of Educational Research and Training  tomorrow
Union Minister for Education, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan will be addressing 61st Foundation Day of National Council of Educational Research and Training  tomorrow via video conferencing.. MoS , Shri Subhas Sarkar and MoS , Dr. Raj Kumar Ranjan Singh along with Sh. Santosh Kumar Sarangi, Addl. Secretary, DoSEL, Prof. Sridhar Srivastava, Director, NCERT and senior official of the Education Ministry and NCERT will also be present on the occasion.
As a premier national organisation the Council is committed towards promoting excellence, equity, inclusiveness and quality, in the arena of school education. The significant activities of the Council, spanning six decades of its existence, covers research, development of curriculum, textual and training materials , and supplementary readers, aim to meet the needs of teacher educators, teachers and students. The organisation has significantly contributed in all deliberations and consultations of the National Education Policy  2020, organised at all levels including the grassroots. Significant initiatives were taken up in eliciting bench mark information on student’s achievements in all States and Union territories that was collected with the help of the National Achievement Survey ,. Contributions were made in developing Learning Outcomes  and in preparing e-contents in all subject areas covering all stages of school education, for concept clarification and better understanding of subjects. Another milestone of achievement included the preparation of ECCE Curriculum and guidelines. NCERT is presently working towards development of National Curriculum Framework for school education, early childhood care and education, adult education and teacher education. It is helping the States to develop their own State Curriculum Frameworks. During the pandemic time, NCERT developed Alternative Academic Calendar for students of all classes and subjects so that their learning is not affected when the schools are closed.
Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
Union Sports Minister Shri Anurag Thakur and MOS, Sports, Shri Nisith Pramanik send off 88 member contingent for Olympics; assure that 135 crore Indians are cheering for them
An 88 member Indian contingent including 54 athletes were given a formal send-off tonight at Indira Gandhi International Airport. The athletes were addressed and sent their best wishes by Shri Anurag Thakur, Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports and Shri Nisith Pramanik, Minister of State, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
Athletes and support staff in eight disciplines Badminton, Archery, Hockey, Judo, Swimming, Weightlifting, Gymnastics and Table Tennis departed from New Delhi to Tokyo.
The ceremony was also attended by Shri Narinder Dhruv Batra, President, Indian Olympic Association; Shri Rajeev Mehta, Secretary-General, Indian Olympic Association and Shri Sandip Pradhan, Director-General, Sports Authority of India among other dignitaries To ensure safety of players, entry into the event was only allowed of dignitaries and other officials who had a negative COVID test report. With 127 athletes, Tokyo Olympics will be India’s highest ever playing contingent.
Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Shri Anurag Thakur said, “When you go to represent the country at the Olympics, it is not just an important moment for you but for the whole country. This has been possible because of your discipline, determination and dedication and that is why you are here representing Team India. I am sure when you are going to be on the field, when you are going to be participating, you will be there with your full energy, determination and motivation. As PM Modi said, please go with a free mind. 135 crore Indians are with you, their good wishes and blessings are with you.”
Minister of State, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports Shri Nisith Pramanik said, “Your lifelong efforts and preparations have brought you to this moment today. As you go to compete on the world’s greatest sporting stage the Tokyo Olympics, I give my full assurance that under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi and with 135 crore Indians rooting for you, that you will have all our blessings while you go and perform at the Olympics.”
President, Indian Olympic Association Shri Narinder Dhruv Batra and Secretary General IOA Sh Rajiv Mehta also addressed the athletes on this occasion .
Ministry of Minority Affairs
Grantee Institution Status for NCM
Section 10  of National Commission for Minorities Act, 1992, provides that the Central Government shall pay to the Commission by way of grants such sums of money, as the Central Government may think fit for being utilized for the purpose of the Act. The Government will w.e.f 2022-23, release Grants-in-aid to the National Commission for Minorities.
The terms and conditions of the services of the employees of National Commission for Minorities will be governed by the provisions of NCM Act, 1992 and NCM  Rules, 1994.
This information was given by the Union Minister for Minority Affairs Shri Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.
President's Secretariat
PARLIAMENTARY DELEGATION FROM ZAMBIA CALLS ON THE PRESIDENT
A Parliamentary Delegation from Zambia led by H.E. Ms Nelly Butete Kashumba Mutti called on President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan today .
Welcoming the delegation to Rashtrapati Bhavan, the President said that India and Zambia enjoy strong and cordial relations. The leaders of the Zambian freedom struggle, like the founding father and first President of Zambia, Dr Kenneth Kaunda drew inspiration from the Indian freedom struggle, particularly Mahatma Gandhi.
The President said that in the area of economic cooperation, our bilateral trade has been growing steadily. India is one of the leading investors in Zambia. She said that it is a matter of satisfaction that India and Zambia share a strong development partnership including India’s four lines of credit, which are being utilized in important fields such as transport, hydro-power, and health. She urged to work to strengthen this partnership, for the prosperity and development of India and Zambia.
The President noted that past parliamentary visits have strengthened relations between the Parliaments of India and Zambia. She appreciated the efforts of the National Assembly of Zambia to form an India-Zambia Parliamentary Friendship Group. She was confident that this visit would make these bonds even stronger.